Quartz is a crystalline form of silicon dioxide and one of the most abundant minerals on Earth, prized for its incredible variety of colors, forms, and exceptional clarity when pure. This versatile gemstone occurs in countless varieties, from the water-clear rock crystal to the deep purple amethyst, and has been used throughout human history for tools, jewelry, and spiritual practices due to its durability and piezoelectric properties. Clear quartz, often called "rock crystal," serves as the foundation for understanding all quartz varieties and is valued for its optical clarity, hexagonal crystal structure, and ability to amplify and focus energy.
Specifications:
- Color range: Colorless (rock crystal) when pure, with varieties spanning every color through trace mineral inclusions
- Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
- Origin: Found worldwide; major deposits in Brazil, Arkansas USA, Madagascar, the Alps, and Himalayas
- Sizes: Available from tiny crystal points to massive cathedral specimens; cut stones from 3mm to 100mm+
- Shapes: Points, clusters, spheres, faceted gems, cabochons, beads, tumbled stones, and carved objects
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent with excellent optical clarity in high-quality specimens
- Luster: Vitreous when polished, creating brilliant glass-like surfaces with excellent light transmission
- Crystal system: Hexagonal with natural six-sided prismatic form and pyramidal terminations
